The budget-friendly Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is now available after its launch at CES 2025.

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      Ecobee

      After making headlines at CES 2025, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is now available for purchase. Priced lower than both the Smart Thermostat Enhanced and Smart Thermostat Premium, the Essential offers an economical way to add smart technology to your home, featuring Apple HomeKit integration and vacation scheduling.

      Ecobee has designed the Smart Thermostat Essential for user-friendliness, featuring a large full-color touchscreen display that provides quick access to frequently used controls. A significant highlight is its built-in intelligence, enabling the device to gradually learn how to adjust its settings for your specific home. For instance, it can gauge the time it takes to heat and cool your space, allowing it to establish a routine that keeps you comfortable regardless of the outside temperature. When used alongside Ecobee Smart Sensors, it can even monitor occupancy levels and adjust settings accordingly.

      The team claims that using the Essential could save you up to 23% on annual heating and cooling expenses. Depending on your home's size, this $130 gadget might pay for itself in just six months. Smart thermostats generally represent a worthwhile investment, especially when they include energy-saving features like those found in the Essential.

      “We believe everyone deserves a smarter home,” stated Greg Fyke, President and CEO of Ecobee. “We’re thrilled to introduce the Smart Thermostat Essential to our lineup, making it easier than ever for customers to save money and maintain comfort without compromise.”

      In addition to on-device controls and the ability for the Essential to automatically adjust its settings, you can also control it remotely via Apple Home or the Ecobee mobile app.

      Installation is comparable to that of most other smart thermostats, and if your setup does not include a C-wire, you can still utilize the Essential by purchasing a Power Extender Kit for $25. The device has a premium appearance despite being the most affordable smart thermostat in the Ecobee range, thanks to its rounded design and minimalist user interface that keeps it looking neat, even with numerous impressive features inside.

      The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is currently available at most major retailers and the official Ecobee website. Be sure to check our roundup of the best smart thermostats for alternative options, as there are a few others in this price range worth considering.

      Jon Bitner is a writer focused on consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has appeared on multiple websites…

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